UCL NatSci Careers

What did you set out to achieve?

We set out to improve the careers services of UCL Natural Sciences students. This was mainly through the improvement of communication between graduate and current students and to develop a website for Natural Sciences student specific careers advice.

How did you go about it?

We organised a lunchtime talk from a former Natural Sciences PhD student, who spoke about the decisions that led to her summer studentships and PhD. We also participated in a careers evening for Natural Sciences students with another alumna, who spoke about her experience with corporate sector careers.

A survey that we conducted identiJed that there was a lot of demand and interest in careers from students that was not being sufficiently catered for. This was followed up by a focus group, which revealed the desire for more engagement with scientific careers and knowledge about how to apply for these opportunities.

As a result, we searched for companies with graduate and undergraduate opportunities that related to the different streams available to Natural Sciences students. Moreover, we added further posts to our website relating to PhDs and undergraduate opportunities in science. 

How did it go?

It was a very rewarding experience to do a UCL ChangeMakers Project. Though initially the project felt rather daunting, the help and support that the team received both from the UCL ChangeMakers team and our academic supervisors allowed us to focus on completing our goals. We were able to interact with a lot of UCL students and feel thoroughly involved in the UCL community. By reaching out to Natural Sciences alumni we have hopefully continued to build a network. The wide remit that was given to us allowed the team to change the direction of the project and tailor it to the responses of the students that we spoke to.

What has the impact been?

We have been able to increase the interaction between science and academic graduates and current students. Further advice has also been provided to future students regarding PhD applications.

Throughout the different stages of the project, we were able to learn about our fellow students and their desires for a careers service. From the focus group, we heard a strong desire for greater involvement with the sciences rather than towards corporate careers.

With continued work to improve opportunities and training towards careers in science and academia future Natural Sciences will feel better equipped when making career decisions as well as applying for jobs and PhDs. 

What would you do differently?

I feel that a key challenge with the project was the amount of work that we set out to do. Being more specific with our goals and being realistic with the amount of time that we could dedicate would be something that could be done differently. 

What have you personally gained?

UCL ChangeMakers is an incredible programme, it has helped me to make realistic impact for UCL students in an area that I feel passionately about.